Fastening for ski shoes having steps adjusting means for a resilient link means



1967 G. B. MUNARI 3,35 ,514

FASTENING FOR SKI SHOES HAVING STEPS ADJUSTING MEANS FOR A RESIIJIENT LINK MEANS Filed March 14, 1966 I gs ixmmm jA lm/ INVENTOR GIOVANNI BATTISTA MUNARI ATTORNEYS United States Patent Oflice 3,354,514 Patented Nov. 28, 1967 FASTENING FOR SKI SHOES HAVING STEPS ADJUSTTNG MEANS FOR A RESILIENT LINK MEANS Giovanni llattista Munari, Montebelluna, Treviso, Italy Filed Mar. 14, 1966, Ser. No. 534,069 Claims priority, application Italy, Aug. 7, 1965, 4,898/65; Nov. 12, 1965, 6,791/65 1 Claim. (Cl. 2470) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An extensible link member used as a fastener on ski fastener on ski shoes having rigid end portions separated by two resiliently extendable longitudinal portions. An operating toggle lever cooperates with the link to extend it into a locked position thereby securely fastening the shoe to the wearer. The resilient portions of the link provide for the extension of the link and shoe fastening when the shoe is subjected to unusually high stress, thereby providing additional comfort to the wearer.

This invention relates to fastenings for ski shoes of the type comprising a plurality of toggle mechanisms adapted to approach and stretch the two halves of the upper, each toggle mechanism including a pair of levers articulated to each other, one of which acts as an operating member, the other one being in the form of an elongated ring.

Such devices are mostly provided with adjustment means for varying the extent of stretch of the two halves of the upper.

Though the toggle mechanisms are each provided with means for adjusting their length, they are rigid, so that it is difficult to equalize the tension from the various mechanisms forming the shoe fastening. This often results in the objectionable necessity for adjustment of certain toggle mechanisms in order to effectively clamp the two halves of the upper, and in a consequent excessive tightening which may be painful to the foot.

This invention obviates the above drawbacks by providing a link for lever fastenings of ski shoes, of the type referred to above, adapted to equalize the tension by the various toggle mechanisms in order to tighten the fastening as uniformly as possible without, however, reaching an extent which hurts the foot.

A further object of this invention is to provide a link of the \abovementioned type, which is simple in construction, easy to assemble on the shoe and effectively withstands traction and bending stresses.

The main characteristic feature of the link according to this invention is that the link comprises an elongated annular body having two rigid opposite head portions and two resiliently extensible longitudinal portions.

The invention shall be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which are given by way of a nonlimiting example, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a lever fastening for ski shoes, including a resilient link according to this invention, shown in its open condition;

FIGURE 2 is a side view of the device according to FIGURE 1 in its closed condition;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the resilient links.

The device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises an annular link, generally denoted by 1a, articulated to a strap 15 adapted to be secured to one edge 16 of the upper of the ski shoe, the said link cooperating with an op erating lever 2 formed with notches 3, fulcrumed at one end to a pivot 4 supported by a strap 5 adapted to be secured to the other edge 17 of the upper.

The link 1 is of elongated shape and comprises two rigid head portions 20, integrally connected to two intermediate longitudinal resiliently extensible members 19.

The forward head portion 18 is substantially of U shape and includes an intermediate portion adapted to be engaged by a notch 3 in the fastening lever.

The rear head portions 20 each having a section adapted to be engaged by a loop 14 carried by a supporting strap 15 which is secured to the other edge 16 of the upper, the rear head portions further being provided with bent over ends 21.

The two rigid head portions and resiliently extensible intermediate members are of one piece of spring metal wire helically wound about to form the longitudinal members.

The resiliently extensible longitudinal members cause the link to take an arcuated shape, as shown in FIG- URE 2, to thereby match the shoe shape.

Moreover, the resiliency of the intermediate members causes the link to extend when it is stretched by an extent suflicient to overcome the action of the springs. This will equalize the tensions by the individual toggle mechanisms on the shoe, thereby effectively clamping the two edges of the upper and affording full comfort to the Wearers foot.

By properly selecting the opposing force of the springs a link according to this invention can be provided which will behave as an inextensible member under stresses involved by normal fastening; when the stress exceeds such predetermined average extent, the spring turns are drawn apart with the result explained above, preventing any toggle mechanism from being too tight and causing pain to the foot.

The integral construction of the link as shown in FIG URES 1 through 3 facilitates manufacture and assembly, atfords an increased toughness and resiliency of the fastening, avoiding any risk of loosening of the link components.

The link according to this invention can be used in connection with toggle mechanisms of the type shown in the drawings as well as mechanisms of the type in which the link is permanently hingedly connected with the operating lever.

What I claim is:

A ski boot fastener of the type including a lever formed with notches, the lever pivoted from a strap secured to a ski boot, and a link pivotally secured to another portion of the ski boot and engaging in a selected one of the notches to provide a fastening for the ski boot, the improvement comprising said link being formed as an elongated generally annular body, said link being formed from one piece of spring metal wire and having two opposite rigid head portions where the link is pivoted from the ski boot, a forward head portion to be engaged by a notch in the lever and two resiliently extensible longitudinal members in the form of helical springs formed from the spring metal wire.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,250,326 12/1917 Kyle. 1,734,282 11/1929 White 292-113 X 2,314,270 3/1943 Elliott 2470 X 2,704,218 3/1955 Claud-Mantle 292-247 X 3,163,900 1/1965 Martin 247O OTHELL M. SIMPSON, Primary Examiner. M. S. MEHR, Examiner. 

